JIM THORPEÂ -- A college student is still in critical condition after a trip Wednesday to the falls in Carbon County turned tragic. Another student also died in the fall.
With Memorial Day weekend coming up and the weather looking sunny and hot, state game conservation officers fear how popular that hiking trail will be.
There are official signs that warn that the Glen Onoko Falls trail can be dangerous and there are unofficial ones that are a little blunter.
A spray painted wall on the trail reads, "Don't die here."
"It seems every year we are down here, carrying out someone who has been seriously injured or even killed," said Pennsylvania Game Commission Officer Rich Briggs.
If the signs and that state game commission statistic aren't enough, then maybe a memorial to two Penn State College Students is.
The two students fell off the falls, Wednesday afternoon. Sophomore Rahman Mustafa Hussan, 18, died. Fadi Abboud, 19, is still in critical condition.
The Glen Onoko Falls trail is not even a designated state trail, but hikers keep coming and accidents keep happening.
Conservation officers took a Newswatch 16 crew on the trail to show how dangerous it is. Also, to stress if you are going to come hike on the trail, there are few things you should know.
"You are going to want to wear footwear that is not only supportive but has traction. You also want some flex to it as well. As you will be trying to get footholds," said Officer Briggs.
Our reporter and photographer strapped on a pair of hiking boots and came in recommended 'comfortable clothing'.
Although there are several signs along the way with warnings people to wear good gear or turn back, our crew saw hikers still wearing tennis shoes.
In the latest tragedy on this trail, when rescuers were transporting the surviving victim, it appeared that's what he had on too.
Our crew learned first-hand. Even for the most physically fit, the Glen Onoko Falls trail is difficult.
Every time someone is seriously hurt, it takes about 25 firefighters who have to climb up the trail to save one person at a time.
It's all for a view of the waterfall at the top. Some even climb on the very top of the waterfall itself. That's where the two Penn State students fell from.
"Even with the footwear and the conditioning, that is not going to save you if you go into the restricted areas," added Briggs.
The top of the waterfall, near the edge, is restricted. There is even a rope blocking access, but some climb over.
So, conservation officials warn if you are going go to the falls to be alert and to really follow the signs.
It is a nice view, but it is not worth your life.
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